Manchester United suffered yet another setback in their challenging Premier League season with a 3-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford. The loss, marred by a crucial error from goalkeeper Andre Onana, left the 20-time English champions in 13th place, struggling to find their form under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Brighton’s Early Lead Sets the Tone
Brighton took control of the match early, with Kaoru Mitoma exploiting Manchester United’s defensive vulnerabilities. Mitoma beat the offside trap from Carlos Baleba’s long ball, delivering a precise pass to Yankuba Minteh, who calmly slotted home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead within the first five minutes.
Fernandes Levels the Score with a Penalty
United found a glimmer of hope midway through the first half. Brighton’s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a poor attempt to play out from the back, allowing Joshua Zirkzee to pounce on the loose ball inside the box. Carlos Baleba’s light tug on Zirkzee’s shoulder resulted in a penalty, confidently converted by Bruno Fernandes to bring the scoreline to 1-1.
Brighton’s Resurgence After VAR Drama
Brighton appeared to retake the lead early in the second half when Joao Pedro scored from a chaotic set-piece. However, a VAR review determined that Jan Paul van Hecke had fouled Diogo Dalot in the build-up, disallowing the goal. The visitors didn’t let the setback deter them and regained their advantage on the hour mark. Mitoma’s persistence paid off as he beat United defender Noussair Mazraoui to Minteh’s cross, making it 2-1.
Onana’s Costly Error Seals United’s Fate
The decisive moment came when Andre Onana, under no significant pressure, mishandled a routine low cross into the box. The ball slipped from his grasp, allowing Georginio Rutter to capitalize and score Brighton’s third goal, effectively ending United’s hopes of a comeback.
Brighton’s Dominance at Old Trafford
This victory marked Brighton’s third consecutive win at Old Trafford and their sixth win in their last seven league encounters with Manchester United. The Seagulls climbed to ninth place in the league standings, just four points shy of the top four, highlighting their remarkable consistency this season.
United’s Struggles Under Ruben Amorim
For Manchester United, this was their seventh loss in 15 games under Ruben Amorim, underscoring the magnitude of the rebuilding task ahead for the Portuguese manager. The defeat also marked United’s 10th loss in the league, a record that starkly contrasts with their historical dominance.
Elsewhere in the Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur’s dismal season continued as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Everton, a team fighting relegation. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s unexpected title challenge gained momentum with a thrilling 3-2 victory over bottom-placed Southampton.
A Tribute to Denis Law
Before the match, Manchester United paid tribute to club legend Denis Law, who passed away earlier in the week. A bagpipe procession led the teams onto the field, and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson laid a wreath at the center circle, honoring one of the club’s all-time greats.
The Road Ahead for Manchester United
With just 26 points from 22 matches, Manchester United faces mounting pressure to turn their season around. Defensive frailties, individual errors, and a lack of cohesion have plagued their performances, leaving fans and pundits questioning the team’s direction under Amorim.
As Brighton celebrates their continued rise, Manchester United must regroup quickly to salvage what remains of their season. The journey ahead looks daunting, but it also presents an opportunity for the Red Devils to prove their resilience and restore their status as Premier League contenders.
